The library subscribes to a number of online databases which provide access to early printed books from around the world.
Full text of the majority of books published in English before 1800 are available on Early English Books Online (EEBO) and Eighteenth Century Collections Online (ECCO). The English Short Title Catalogue (ESTC) lists most books published in this period. Please see the Libguide pages for your area for more details.
The Special Collections service at Queen’s provides access to the Library's rare and early printed book, map, and manuscript collections, as well as to more modern material relating to Ireland and Ulster in particular.
The books, pamphlets, manuscripts, correspondence, photographs, and maps held in Special Collections are considered to be of lasting research value and include examples of the earliest printed works (incunabula), and books and pamphlets published between the 16th and early 19th centuries (STC and Wing items). In order to preserve the material for future readers these collections are housed in a secure and environmentally controlled setting.
The Special Collections Reading Room is located on Floor 1 of the McClay Library and provides a comfortable, dedicated space appropriate to the consultation of Special Collections material.
